Social Media in Divorce

December 2nd, 2016

It seems that everyone has their fingertips on an electronic device these days whether it be a phone, a tablet or a computer etc. For many this is for work purposes, but a lot of people are also broadcasting their private lives on social media.

Social media can be a useful tool for self-promotion, sharing photographs with friends and family or even just catching up with old friends. It is not uncommon, however, for social media to now be referred on divorce petitions. It is tempting to post online when emotions are running high, but think before you post. Anything you post online can be used as evidence in court and so if you are on social media and going through a divorce (or a separation) be mindful of what you are posting. That doesn’t mean to say that social media is all bad, it can be a useful resource to seek support from friends and family. It may be worth checking you security settings to be aware of who can see what you are sharing. If in doubt, don’t write it.

If it is your spouse who is taking private matters to the internet, then it may be best to block that person, or even report the posts to the social media site in order to have it taken down.

Have you had issues with social media when separating from a partner? Are there other issues with posting online which you believe separating couples should be aware of?

Annabel has over fifteen years’ experience in all aspects of family law. She was delighted to join specialist practice Hawkins Family Law in April 2014, and is now a Director, having spent the previous eleven years as a Senior Associate at Taylor Vinters in Cambridge and London.

Annabel is collaboratively trained as a family lawyer, she is a family mediator and is an Accredited Specialist in cases involving substantial assets (including pre-nuptial agreements), and those involving cohabitees (unmarried couples). The Legal 500 comments that the team at Hawkins are “exemplary” and describes Annabel as “striking a good balance between empathising and successfully navigating divorce cases” and “a pragmatic lawyer with a cool head” (The Legal 500 2015).

Talk To One Of Our Legal Experts

01908 262680

Talk To One Of Our Legal Experts

01908 262680

2019 Family: Beds, Bucks, Herts and Middx – South East

Hawkins Family Law fields 'a very professional team that delivers a high-class service and has strength-in-depth from senior to junior level'. Managing director and team head Jo Hawkins provides 'clear and accurate advice and moral support through often testing times for her clients; she focuses on deriving the best long-term outcome for her client and other parties'. The practice has particular strength financial matters, including divorce and ToLATA proceedings. Other key figures include Loraine Davenport, who has strong collaborative law expertise and handles complex children cases and high-net-worth ancillary relief matters; Annabel Hayward, who focuses on complex financial provision and co-habitation matters; and Stacey St Clair.

2019 Family/Matrimonial – Milton Keynes and surrounds

What the team is known for
Boutique family law firm that punches above its weight in terms of high-value and complex matrimonial finance instructions relating to business assets, pensions and substantial property portfolios, including assisting with the handling of assets abroad. Also represents clients in the negotiation of wealth protection agreements and private law childcare arrangements. Fields a team trained in collaborative law and alternative dispute resolution.

Strengths
An impressed client says: "The team's personal service and individual care is a great asset,"adding that the lawyers are "always available to assist and understand the occasional need for immediate advice and guidance, providing a very reassuring service."